Asbestos-cement pipes - everything you need to know about

02-03-2018
Pipes

Despite the fact that many developers have a sharply negative attitude towards asbestos products, this type of product is quite popular, and if installation is carried out in accordance with all the rules, the risk of damage to health is minimal. Asbestos-cement pipes are manufactured according to GOST 539-80 “Asbestos-cement pipes and couplings”, and if the products comply with this regulatory act, they can be used for a wide range of works.

In the photo: similar pipes and today are among the most common in our country.

The main features of the product group in question

To make a choice in favor of this or that option, it is important to clearly know all its features, the following factors can be attributed to the advantages of asbestos-cement pipes:

Low price The cost of asbestos cement pipes is small, which makes this option one of the most affordable. This is especially true in cases when melioration and drainage systems are arranged, because it is possible to purchase products that are well suited for this kind of facilities and communications for a reasonable price.
High strength The pipelines of this type are distinguished by excellent reliability indicators, their service life is decades, and the material is well tolerated by the constant impact of dampness and is able to withstand loads in the form of heaving of the soil when it freezes.
The ability to do it yourself In order to assemble the system, you do not need special tools and equipment. Assembly instructions are very simple, and you only need pipes, fittings for joints and sealing materials to improve the reliability of the joints and mates.
Wide size range In trade organizations are products of different diameters, and you can easily choose the best option when performing certain works. It is important to correctly calculate that all parameters are defined without errors and errors.
Certificate for asbestos-cement pipe confirms its safety and compliance with regulations

The disadvantages include the following factors:

  • A large enough mass of products, which is especially noticeable when using large diameter pipes. Lay them without the use of special lifting equipment is simply impossible.
  • Harmfulness of asbestos also applies to minuses, but nowadays raw materials are used that practically do not harm the body.. In addition, asbestos is covered with a layer of cement, which eliminates its entry in the form of dust into the human lungs.
The larger the diameters of asbestos-cement pipes, the higher their mass. Remember this when doing design work.

Features of the type of products in question

We will understand what is this group of products and how the installation of finished elements.

Manufacturing

The production of asbestos-cement pipes has its differences, which you should know:

  • The material itself is a fibrous concrete, that is, this solution is reinforced by the addition of various fibers (in our case it is asbestos).
  • Asbestos is mined in places of its occurrence. After that, it is delivered to the processing plant and crushed.
  • Next, the crushed mixture is fluffed up in special installations for the separation of fibers, which will be the basis for the manufacture of pipes in the future.
  • The next stage is the mixing of components, 85% of M500 cement and only 15% of asbestos fibers are used for production. After thorough mixing, water is added to the composition until the desired consistency is obtained.
  • Next, the mass is filled with special forms. To increase strength and reliability, special metal frameworks for pipes are often used, which significantly increase the reliability of products, this is especially important in the manufacture of pipes of large diameters.
  • The asbestos-cement pipe is tested according to GOST 1839-80, this regulatory act reflects all the requirements that the product must meet: from the size and thickness of the walls to the particular composition and the applied sealing elements.

Note! Confirmation of the safety of products is a sanitary-epidemiological conclusion, be sure to inquire about its availability from the seller.

Such a document is the most important safety evidence.

Installation

Works are performed in the following order:

  • First, trenches of the required depth are dug, which depends on the system features and the depth of soil freezing in the coldest period of the year.
  • Then the pipe is brought and laid out along the trench, it will simplify and speed up further work.

Tip! Special attention should be paid to the quality of the connecting elements, since the strength and tightness of all mates directly depend on this. All products must be free of defects on the surface. Rubber sealing elements must be plastic.

Here is the coupling joint in the section
  • The ends of the pipes, which will be included in the couplings for the connection of pipes, should be pretreated for the best connection and fit.
  • The connection is made carefully so as not to damage the rubber seal. Silicone sealants can be used to ensure the greatest tightness, they resist fungus and moisture and are very plastic, so when the elements expand or move, the seal will remain intact and intact.
  • It is important to observe all the necessary slopes and fix the position of the pipeline so that it will not subsequently shift. To do this, it is best to pour a pillow of gravel or rubble on the bottom of the trench.
The use of special equipment greatly simplifies the process.

And remember, GOST for pipes also applies to fittings. Therefore, all couplings must also comply with regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

Of course, asbestos-cement products are not suitable for everyone, and there are many simpler options. But in some situations it is this solution that can become the most optimal and rational. The video in this article will tell about some features of the material in more detail.

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